Guilin, Guangxi: A Dreamlike Journey Through a Landscape Painting

Dear friends, can you imagine yourself surrounded by poetic and picturesque landscapes, where every glance is a masterpiece of nature and every step feels like walking into an ancient scholar’s ink painting? Guilin, Guangxi, is exactly such a place where dreams come to life! Today, I’m bringing you a super practical Guilin travel guide to help you enjoy Guilin with ease!

Preparation

Documents

ID card, student ID (don’t forget if you have discounts).

Clothing

Guilin’s weather is changeable. For summer trips, bring light and breathable clothes plus a thin jacket in case it gets cooler; spring and autumn have big temperature differences between morning and night, so a thick jacket is essential; winter is damp and cold, so pack a down jacket.

Other Items

Sunscreen, umbrella, motion sickness medicine (if you plan to take a boat or long bus rides), camera (to capture stunning scenery).

Best Travel Time

Guilin has distinct seasons, each with its own unique beauty. However, the best time to visit is from April to October, when the weather is warm, the landscapes are most beautiful, and you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.

Transportation Guide

External Transportation

● Airplane: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is about 30 kilometers from downtown. You can take the airport shuttle bus, taxi, or ride-hailing service to the city center.

● Train: Guilin has several train stations including Guilin Station and Guilin North Station, making transportation very convenient. From the train station, you can take a bus or taxi to your hotel.

Internal Transportation

● Bus: Guilin’s bus routes cover a wide area and are affordable, making them a good choice for getting around.

● Taxi/Ride-hailing: Convenient for travel, but traffic jams may occur during peak tourist seasons.

● Car Rental: If you are traveling with a group, renting a car and driving yourself is a great option for more flexible itinerary planning.

Accommodation Suggestions

Guilin City Center

You can choose to stay in the city center or near the Li River for convenient travel and plenty of nearby dining options.

Yangshuo

The area near West Street is a popular lodging spot, lively at night with vibrant nightlife; the Yulong River area is quieter, perfect for those who prefer tranquility.

Attraction Guide

Li River

“The river is like a green silk belt, the mountains like jade hairpins,” the beauty of the Li River is truly well-deserved! You can take a cruise or bamboo raft to tour the Li River, enjoying famous sights like Nine Horse Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Reflection. Highly recommend the section from Xingping Ancient Town to Nine Horse Fresco Hill—breathtaking scenery that feels like traveling inside a painting.

Yangshuo West Street

This is the liveliest place in Yangshuo, with various specialty shops, bars, and delicious food. Strolling West Street at night, soaking in the exotic atmosphere and tasting local snacks is simply delightful.

Yulong River

Yulong River is the longest tributary of the Li River within Yangshuo, with clear water and beautiful peaks on both sides. You can choose to drift on a bamboo raft and enjoy a leisurely time or ride a bike along the river to admire the pastoral scenery.

Longji Terraces

The Longji Terraces are a spectacular sight in Guilin, with layers of rice terraces climbing like a ladder to the sky. The best viewing times are May to June and September to October, during the irrigation and harvest periods, each offering different scenery. Climb the viewing platform to overlook the magnificent terraces—you’ll be amazed.

Elephant Trunk Hill

Elephant Trunk Hill is Guilin’s iconic landmark, named because the hill resembles an elephant drinking water with its trunk. You can climb Elephant Trunk Hill to overlook Guilin city or admire its reflection by the Li River—great for photos.

Food Recommendations

Guilin Rice Noodles

How can you visit Guilin without trying Guilin rice noodles? Smooth rice noodles paired with tender beef or marinated dishes, plus pickled bamboo shoots, peanuts, and other toppings, all drenched in rich broth—one bite brings pure happiness.

Beer Fish

Yangshuo’s beer fish is a must-try dish. Fresh Li River fish cooked with beer and various seasonings, the fish is tender and the beer aroma rich, leaving a lasting impression.

Stuffed Snails

A traditional Guilin delicacy, snail meat is taken out and minced with pork and mushrooms, then stuffed back into the snail shell and cooked. The taste is very delicious.

Lipu Taro with Pork

Lipu taro has a soft and glutinous texture, paired with pork belly, it’s rich but not greasy, sweet and tasty.

Itinerary Suggestions

Three-Day Tour

● Day 1: Guilin City - Elephant Trunk Hill - Dongxi Alley - Zhengyang Pedestrian Street
    Arrive in Guilin city in the morning, visit Elephant Trunk Hill to see Guilin’s iconic landmark. In the afternoon, explore Dongxi Alley and Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, taste local food, and experience Guilin’s history and culture.

● Day 2: Li River - Xingping Ancient Town - Yangshuo West Street
    Take a cruise or bamboo raft on the Li River in the morning to enjoy its stunning scenery. In the afternoon, arrive at Xingping Ancient Town and stroll through its rustic atmosphere. At night, head to Yangshuo West Street to enjoy the lively nightlife.

● Day 3: Yulong River - Ten-Mile Gallery - Return
    Drift on a bamboo raft along Yulong River in the morning to experience the leisurely rural scenery. In the afternoon, rent a bike to ride along the Ten-Mile Gallery and admire the beautiful views. Then pack up and end your pleasant trip.

Five-Day Tour

Based on the three-day tour, you can add a trip to the Longji Terraces.

● Day 4: Guilin City - Longji Terraces
    Depart from Guilin city in the morning to Longji Terraces. After arrival, check into your hotel and rest a bit. In the afternoon, climb the viewing platform to admire the magnificent terraces and watch local folk performances.

● Day 5: Longji Terraces - Return
    Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over the terraces, then take a walk around the terraces to feel the peaceful countryside. Return to Guilin city at noon and prepare for departure.

Notes

● When taking a boat or bamboo raft on the Li River, pay attention to safety and wear a life jacket.

● When cycling in Yangshuo, be mindful of traffic safety and obey traffic rules.

● Choose reputable restaurants when tasting local food to avoid unhygienic meals.

● During peak tourist seasons, remember to book tickets and hotels in advance.

Dear friends, Guilin’s beautiful landscapes are waiting for you. Hurry up, pack your bags, and start this dreamlike journey! If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a comment below.